November 8 - vs. Waubonsee Community College in South Holland, IL

The 2011-12 Lady Bulldogs started off the new season in a traditional fashion by downing the Lady Chiefs of Waubonsee 63-52. Sophomore sharp shooter, Miranda Murray led the way with 23 points, converting 6 three-pointers , 4 steals, and 7 rebounds. Dominique Edwards, another sophomore, continued her dominating ways by adding 11 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 steals. Newcomer Nicole Brown added 10 points. Dorothy Taylor hauled in 8 boards. Tysheka Craft handed out 9 assists.

This version of the Lady Dawgs is young and inexperienced for the coming battles in a long season. Their inexperience is one of the reasons that the Lady Bulldogs were not ranked in the preseason NJCAA national poll for the first time in 10 years. “We are young and wide-eyed at every position,” stated Coach Scott. “With nine freshmen, we are constantly going over things time and time again. I’m fussing about accountability and responsibility on and off the court. At times, they have to be reminded that they are no longer in high school. We have the potential, but that doesn’t relate to wins. Our sophomores have to provide leadership and our freshmen have to mature quickly. We have a great deal of work to do.”

The Lady Bulldogs (1-0) will travel to Freeport, IL to participate in the Highland Tip-off Classic on Nov. 11, 2011.

November 11 - vs. Highland Community College at the Highland Tip-Off Classic in Freeport, IL

The Lady Bulldogs continued their inspired play by downing Highland 68-50. After a few minutes of jittery play, SSC settled down and focused on their defensive effort. Led by Miranda Murray’s 14 first half points, SSC scratched to a 27-24 lead at the intermission. After a spirited lecture by Coach Scott, the Lady Bulldogs put up 41 points in the second half. Ashley Huddleston led the charge with a game high 20 points with all of them coming in the second half. Highland was unable to recover from the barrage of steals and layups. Murray finished with 16 points as well as Tysheka Craft. Huddleston added 6 rebounds and 3 steals to her fine performance. Dominique Edwards led with 7 rebounds and 4 assists.

“We were not focused the first half”, quoted Coach Scott. “Our second half was an example of Bulldog basketball. I have to get them to play like that the entire game.”

The Lady Bulldogs will take on Black Hawk East in the championship game.

November 12 - vs. Black Hawk East at the Highland Tip-Off Classic in Freeport, IL

The Lady Bulldogs dropped their first contest of the 2011-12 season in a hard fought battle against the BHE Lady Warriors in the championship game of the Highland Tip-off Classic. SSC started slow again to put itself in a dangerous position again. They struggled on both sides of the ball to go into the locker room trailing 22-23.

The second half was a repeat of the first. Every time the Lady Bulldogs put up a challenge, BHE was able to weather the storm. Although the game was swaying back and forth, SSC never gave up.

“It was our first time facing adversity”, grimaced Coach Scott. “Because we are so young, we lost our focus for a couple of minutes. I was so proud of them when they regrouped and made a run at the end. The effort is there. It was our first championship game of the season. Things will right themselves soon.”

SSC (2-1) was led in scoring by Dominique Edwards with 17 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 steals. Miranda Murray chipped in 14 points and 5 assists. Ashley Huddleston scored 10 points and swiped 4 steals. Tysheka Craft also added 4 assists.

The Lady Bulldogs will travel to Chicago to take on the Lady Rams of Wright College on Nov. 15, 2011.

November 15 - at Wilbur Wright College in Chicago, IL

The 18th ranked Lady Bulldogs displayed their offensive potential as they ran roughshod over the Lady Rams of Wright College 98-44. SSC once again got off to a slow start by scoring 6 points during the first five minutes of the contest. After a quick timeout and some creative motivation, the Lady Bulldogs focused and turned up the intensity. They went on a 20-4 tear to open the flood gates to the tune of 26-9. SSC closed the first stanza leading 43-27.

“I was very upset at the half”, stated Coach Scott. “We were looking at our opponent and playing their style of basketball. I stressed my displeasure by benching some people and changing my rotation to make sure we are all on the same page.”

The message was made loud and clear. SSC opened the second half with an 18-2 run to put the Rams out of their misery. SSC scored a whopping 55 points in the second half. They held Wright to 17 second half points.

SSC placed 5 people in double figures: Tazia Rivoli-Johnson (18 points), Dorothy Taylor (17 points), Dominique Edwards (16 points), Miranda Murray (14 points), and Ashley Huddleston (10 points). Murray handed out 8 assists. Huddleston swiped 5 passes. Edwards pulled in 11 boards. Sidnica Esco also grabbed 8 rebounds in the victory.

“We did a good job offensively. We were close to scoring 100 points, but they stayed within the system and did not start playing ‘playground basketball’”, smiled Coach Scott.

The Lady Bulldogs will host the Lady Lancers of the College of Lake County on Nov. 19, 2011 at 1:00 pm.

November 19 - vs. the College of Lake County in South Holland, IL

In what may be its best defensive performance in recent memory, #18 SSC completely shut down the Lady Lancers of College of Lake County 69-20 in South Holland. CLC was unable to foster any rhythm or take the lid off the rim due to the stifling defense of South Suburban (4-1). The Lady Bulldogs forced 17 turnovers causing a huge gap at the half; 38-8.

The defensive pressure did not wilt during the second half as Lake County coughed up the basketball 18 more times. “This was the best defensive performance we have had in quite a few years”, stated Coach Scott. “The kids are starting to understand our philosophy. Our intensity level was where it needs to be. I felt really good about our overall game effort. We have to remember that the season is still young.”

SSC was led in scoring by Ashley Huddleston with 13 points and 8 steals. Dorothy Taylor (12 points and 3 blocks), Tysheka Craft (10 points), and Dominique Edwards (10 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 assists) were the other players in double digits. Julyssa Saez led with 5 assists.

SSC will host the Lady Sky Hawks of Sauk Valley Community College on Tuesday, November 22 at 5:00 p.m.

November 22 - vs. Sauk Valley Community College in South Holland, IL

The #11 nationally ranked Lady Bulldogs overcame a tough obstacle in landing the Lady Sky Hawks of Sauk Valley Community College 73-68. Sauk Valley featured two of the top scorers in the region in Shamika Williams and Lydia Box. SSC was not afraid of the high powered duo and accepted the challenge of defending them.

SSC started the game trying to determine how to shut down SVCC’s vaunted offense. The Lady Bulldogs missed easy shots and struggled trying to get a rhythm. SSC went into the intermission trailing 24-35. “I was happy to go into the locker room down 11 points”, stated Coach Scott. “We were down by 19 at one point during the half. Our offense was stagnant and we were missing uncontested shots. They destroyed our zone.”

SSC shot an anemic 24% in the opening stanza while SVCC shot 45% from the field.

The Lady Bulldogs started the second half ready to fight until the end. SSC’s fortunes changed and the invisible lid over the basket disintegrated. SSC trapped, pressed, and ran the Lady Sky Hawks into submission. Forcing numerous turnovers, the Lady Bulldogs shot a blistering 67% from the field in the second half and held SVCC to 27% from the field.

“We really turned up the intensity in the second half”, beamed freshman Ashley Huddleston. “Coach told us to be patient and keep attacking the glass. We knew that we could score. We just had to make our shots. This win feels great because we beat a really good team.”

SSC was led in scoring by Miranda Murray with 21 points (18 coming in the second half) and 6 assists. Huddleston finished with 19 points 6 boards and 2 blocks. Freshman center Dorothy Taylor added 12 points. Dominique Edwards hauled in 11 boards.

SSC will host its cross-town rival Prairie State College on Tuesday, November 29 in The Dawg House at 5:00 p.m.

November 29 - vs. Prairie State College in South Holland, IL

In what has become a bitter rivalry, SSC stopped the Lady Pioneers of Prairie State College 56-35. Since the arrival of Coach Boyd, all of the games have been dramatic battles based on defensive pride and intensity. The Lady Bulldogs provided an impressive display of their defensive abilities.

SSC broke out to a 12-2 lead to open the game. PSC would not let the game get out of hand by turning up their pressure. SSC went into the locker room leading 24-16, but allowed PSC to go on a 4-0 run to close the first half.

“We gave them confidence by taking bad shots and making poor decisions to close out the first half”, said Coach Scott. “They did an excellent job defending us. They were all over us. We didn’t back down. We gave them a taste of our defense. I was really proud the way we stood in there and took charges. That’s something we’ve been working on.”

SSC shot 43% from the field while PSC shot 26% in the opening stanza.

True to form, the Lady Bulldogs opened the second half ramping up the defensive pressure. Prairie State was forced into turnovers to allow SSC to go on a 19-1 run the score to 43-20. SSC never relinquished the lead. “We played a smart game tonight”, stated sophomore captain Miranda Murray. “We split last year with them knocking us out of the regional playoffs. We wanted to set the tone that this is a new team that has the fire and passion. Coach is always stressing intensity and defense. I didn’t understand his philosophy last year until late in the season. The captains are showing the freshman what it takes to win our region.”

SSC held PSC to 16 second half points. The Lady Bulldogs shot 48% from the field while PSC shot 26%. SSC was led by Ashley Huddleston who scored a game high 20 points. Miranda Murray tossed in 15 points. Huddleston hauled in 6 boards. Murray handed out 4 assists. Dominique Edwards and Huddleston swiped 3 steals respectively. Edwards recorded 3 blocks.

South Suburban will close out the longest home stand of the year when they host Morton College on Thursday, December 1st in The Dawg House at 5:00 p.m.

December 1 - vs. Morton College in South Holland, IL

#10 SSC continued its winning ways with an authoritative 72-49 win over the Lady Panthers of Morton College. The Lady Bulldogs started off slowly as Morton applied defensive pressure which has been uncommon to SSC in this young season. SSC turned the ball over four times and took ill-advised shots. Once they got settled, SSC started doing what they do best; RUN.

SSC went into the locker-room leading 36-26. “We did not play very well during the first half”, said Coach Scott. “I felt that Morton was playing harder than we were. If they had our athleticism, we would have been in a world of trouble.”

The second half saw the Lady Bulldogs in their true form. They pressured, trapped, and ran the Lady Panthers into submission. Morton was held to 23 second half points. Sophomore Dominique Edwards stated, “We’ve been doing ok in practice. I know that Coach wants more from us. We’re trying to get there, but we’re young and sometimes we lose our focus. It’s a good thing that it’s early in the season and the freshmen are getting a lot of minutes. We’ll be good in time for playoffs.”

SSC was led by freshman Ashley Huddleston who poured in a game high 20 points. Edwards added 17 points and 7 rebounds. Tazia Rivoli-Johnson chipped in with 15 points, 4 assists, and 4 steals. Miranda Murray rounded out the double digit scoring with 12 points and 5 assists.

The Lady Bulldogs (7-1) will travel to Benton Harbor, MI to take on the Lady Indians of Lake Michigan College on December 3, 2011.

December 3 - at Lake Michigan College in Benton Harbor, MI

In the arena of sibling rivalry, SSC versus LMC was an epic battle. The contest featured dueling Rivoli-Johnson sisters for bragging rights at home as well as placing a mark in the win column. LMC’s Breauna Rivoli-Johnson entered the contest leading the nation in scoring as well as an unblemished record. SSC’s Tazia Rivoli-Johnson came to the war sporting a #10 national ranking as well as a six- game winning streak. SSC’s Rivoli-Johnson took home the big prize; a 69-57 victory.

SSC played poised basketball as it limited its turnovers while forcing the host Lady Indians to an up-tempo game. SSC finished the opening stanza leading 29-15. Coach Scott said, “We did a fabulous job containing (Breauna) Rivoli-Johnson. We made her work for every shot. To hold her to 5 points and the team to 15 points is phenomenal defense.”

The second stanza got a little interesting. LMC turned the tables on SSC by turning up their defensive intensity. Before you knew it, LMC was down by only 5 points. SSC’s Tazia Rivoli-Johnson (12 points and 10 rebounds) was not going to let things fall apart. She made defensive stops and made crucial baskets when the team needed it. She single-handedly willed SSC to victory.

“I was so nervous playing in this game”, stated Tazia. “It was my first time playing my younger sister. She has always got the rewards, but I got the win. That’s all that counts!”

SSC was led in scoring by Miranda Murray with 14 points, 3 assists, and 4 steals. Ashley Huddleston added 13 points and 5 steals. Dominique Edwards rounded the scoring tossing in 10 points and 10 rebounds. Dorothy Taylor hauled in 16 rebounds

SSC will host Oakton Community College on Tuesday, December 6th in the Dawg House at 5:00 p.m.

December 6 - vs. Oakton Community College in South Holland, IL

The 10th ranked (NJCAA Division II) South Suburban College Lady Bulldogs continued their winning ways by downing the Lady Raiders of Oakton 65-55. The Lady Bulldogs jumped out to a 16-5 lead to start the game. Oakton was not impressed by the hot start and turned up the intensity. SSC withstood the storm and went into the locker room leading 28-26.

Oakton started the second half going on an 11-4 run by pressuring the Lady Bulldogs into 3 turnovers. Trailing 37-32, SSC called a timeout. Changing their defense, SSC changed the tempo and started playing Bulldog Basketball. Huge shots by Tazia Rivoli-Johnson and Shaquala Armstrong allowed SSC to slowly regain the lead and never looked back.

“We started well and then went as cold as an icicle”, stated Coach Scott. “Oakton forced us into taking bad shots. Our bench did an excellent job keeping us close. Maryam, Nicole, and Julyssa are the reason why we are where we are. They may be the best role players we’ve ever had. They accept their job and take pride in getting things done.”

Miranda Murray (14 points) and Ashley Huddleston (10 points and 4 steals) scored in double figures. Tazia Rivoli-Johnson swiped 5 steals. Dorothy Taylor hauled in 14 boards and Dominique Edwards snagged 10 boards.

Winners of now seven in a row, SSC will host the Robert Morris University JV on December 8th at 6:00 p.m.

December 8 - vs. Robert Morris University JV in South Holland, IL

Recap to follow.

December 16 - vs. Kennedy King College at SSC Christmas Tournament in South Holland, IL

Recap to follow.

December 17 - vs. Highland Community College at SSC Christmas Tournament in South Holland, IL

Recap to follow.

December 21 - at Triton College in River Grove, IL

Recap to follow.

December 28 - vs. Kishwaukee College at ICC Lady Cougar Classic in East Peoria, IL

Recap to follow.

December 29 - vs. Jefferson County (MO) Community College at ICC Lady Cougar Classic in East Peoria, IL

Recap to follow.

December 30 - vs. Oakland (MI) Community College at ICC Lady Cougar Classic in East Peoria, IL

Recap to follow.

January 3 - at McHenry County College in Crystal Lake, IL

Recap to follow.

January 7 - at IllinoisValley Community College in Oglesby, IL

Recap to follow.

January 14 - vs. Moraine Valley Community College in South Holland, IL

Recap to follow.

January 16 - vs. Joliet Junior College in South Holland, IL

Recap to follow.

January 21 - at Kiswaukee College in Malta, IL

Recap to follow.

January 24 - vs Kankakee Community College in South Holland, IL

Recap to follow.

January 31 - at Olive-Harvey College in Chicago, IL

Recap to follow.

February 4 - at Black Hawk College in Moline, IL

Recap to follow.

February 7 - vs. Richard J. Daley College in South Holland, IL

Recap to follow.

February 11 - at Vincennes University (JV) in Vincennes, IN

Recap to follow.